Cherished Memories, Inc and Old Colony YMCA Invite Those with Dementia to a Monthly Memory Café

Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that cause Dementia know no boundaries. They are well documented as diseases that are not a normal part of aging. They do not discriminate between rich or poor, educated or uneducated. No one is immune, and your loved one or beloved could be next. According to research, the latest facts show that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing. The current statistics are one in nine people aged 65 and over have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or provide a cure for this disease.

Alzheimer’s can also affect people younger than age 65. Up to five percent of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger onset.

Given these statistics and the prevalence of memory loss in the general population, Cherished Memories, Inc in partnership with the Old Colony YMCA – East Bridgewater is working to enrich the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-causing disorders by offering a Memory Café within the branch.

The first Memory Café in the United States was established by Dr. Jytte Lokvig in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Memory Café will provide a break or respite from the daily routine of coping with Dementia and Dementia-related stress, as well as a place where individuals with memory loss and their caregivers can come together in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. It is a time away from medical appointments and the disease, and a place where participants can explore art, music, form friendships, people can have fun, interact, socialize, laugh, cry, find support, share concerns, and celebrate without feeling embarrassed or misunderstood.

With a focus on abilities, not disabilities, and a commitment to improving quality of life for all, Memory Café is a place where friendship, love and acceptance are encouraged. It is here that dementia caregivers and those with dementia can explore art, pet therapy, music, poetry, drum circle, and socialization while forming new friendships with other like-minded people.

The Memory Café will provide the chance to have fun and curb feelings of loneliness and isolation while living in the moment. Participants will reminisce about memories, perform light exercise, and, most importantly, laugh. Let go and let flow!! If we don’t enjoy ourselves, then this activity is not worth doing.

Current research related to Alzheimer’s and dementia indicates that in addition to socialization, engagement in the arts is both important and beneficial. Music, painting, a palette of water color paints and a blank sheet of paper, poetry, and other forms of art can have a profound impact on the brain.

Our first Memory Café was a great success in East Bridgewater. The next meet of the Memory Cafe presented by Cherished Memories, Inc at the Old Colony YMCA – East Bridgewater will be on May 27, 2017. Guests must be accompanied by a family member or caregiver. The event is free and open to the general public.

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